Antoine Fuqua reportedly earns extra $15m for 'Michael' reshoots

'Michael' reshoots increase costs as Antoine Fuqua reportedly receives additional $15m after third act changes

The Michael film reshoots have drawn attention after reports that director Antoine Fuqua received an additional $15 million following significant changes to the film’s third act.

The biographical film on Michael Jackson underwent extensive reshoots after issues were identified with its original ending.

According to reports, the initial version included references to allegations involving Jordan Chandler, which could not be used due to a prior settlement preventing such mentions in commercial projects about the singer’s life.

As a result, the production team was required to remove these elements and rework the final portion of the film. The process reportedly involved 22 days of reshooting, leading to adjustments in both the narrative and production schedule.

Sources cited in reports indicate that Fuqua’s total earnings for the project increased from an initial $10 million to approximately $25 million.

Producer Graham King is also said to have received additional compensation linked to the reshoots. The revised payments were reportedly structured as advances against future royalties.

This approach is commonly used in film production, allowing directors and producers to receive upfront compensation that is later offset against potential earnings from the film’s performance.

The reshoots also required key figures to delay other professional commitments, contributing to the increased financial outlay.

The production budget, originally estimated at around $150 million, rose further following the additional work.